I played against Maradona five times and Messi is better

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If France versus Spain was the semi-final of the gunslingers, the race between the Ferrari and the Lamborghini, England versus Argentina is the BMW against the Mercedes: two resilient, dependable teams who are pragmatic and aggressive. They are not a great watch, but they get the job done.

What elevates Argentina, however, is Lionel Messi. A video has been in circulation recently on social media from the 2011 Champions League final – at which time Messi was 23 and had “only” won the Ballon d’Or twice and three European Cups – in which I called him the greatest player of all time.

Why was I so sure? Simple. I was watching him do things that nobody else would even attempt. I didn’t feel it was outlandish because he was playing in the Champions League every week, the highest level of football, and embarrassing world-class defenders consistently.

A little while after that, I told my son, James, to ensure that he watched Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as often as he could and enjoy it while he can. They are a pair of freaks, built with bravery and attitude, and the only man who gets close to Messi is Diego Maradona.

I played against Maradona five times after signing for Sampdoria, including in Naples when he scored his first Serie A goal in September 1984. He was a magician, his level of anticipation was frightening and he was always two steps ahead. Talent was one thing; his football brain was something else.

That is where the very best take you apart. I remember partnering Zico, the great Brazilian, in central midfield for a charity game at the end of the season. We were the undici, the top 11 foreign players in the league, taking on the champions Hellas........

© WA Today